Javed Miandad and Virat Kohli - (Source: AFP)
The preparations for the 2027 World Cup are in full swing, and India are all set for a tough challenge when they face England for a three-match series starting July 14. The prestigious fifty-over event is the next ICC tournament, and the biggest question is whether Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma will make the cut in India’s squad.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are only active in ODIs. The two veterans bowed out respectfully in T20Is, but their Test exits were the most talked-about, especially Virat Kohli's. The 37-year-old announced his retirement in May 2025, leaving his dream of 10,000 runs behind.
Kapil Dev Compares Virat Kohli To Javed Miandad
After Virat’s Test retirement, several pundits opined their views on the abrupt decision. In the latest events, India legend Kapil Dev has also jumped onto the bandwagon and remarked that Virat Kohli should have continued in the red-ball format.
Interestingly, Kapil Dev compared Virat Kohli to Pakistan star Javed Miandad. The 67-year-old also brought in Tennis legend John McEnroe to the conversation and stated that the three legends need aggression to thrive.
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"I wasn’t happy when he retired from Test cricket; he could have allowed himself more time to get over his anger & hurt. Virat has a tendency to get aggressive. But he reminds me of John McEnroe, who couldn’t perform until he got angry. Same was Pakistan’s Javed Miandad," Kapil Dev said speaking to Vikrant Gupta.
Virat Kohli on premature Test retirement
Kapil Dev went onto add that Virat has the ability to still play red-ball cricket.
“It is not about 10,000 runs. But if he didn’t leave Test cricket in anger, he would have still been playing. Virat still has the ability to play. If we see the present scenario, he can play, and it feels the decision was taken in haste,” he added.
For the unversed, Virat Kohli had hinted that he was asked to prove and audition for his place in Test cricket, which didn’t go well with him. However, much to everyone’s disappointment, the right-handed batter has also ruled out a Test return, stating that he is done with the format and his only goal is the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Kapil Dev on Rohit Sharma, Kohli 2027 ODI World Cup
Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s 2027 ODI World Cup fate lies in their performances in the upcoming series. However, Kapil Dev believes that the age factor should not be in consideration.
"No one should question Rohit and Virat's age as long as they keep scoring runs. But at this stage of their careers, fitness and form can decline very quickly".
At present, Virat Kohli's place in the team seems more secure than Rohit Sharma, who is struggling with his fitness.
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